Alex Ross Action Figures: Black Canary and Zatanna

Now I do know, once again, that these were intended as art pieces rather than toys, but I wanted them in their classic costumes so here they are. And the costuming is faithful, and the figures are gorgeous, particularly Black Canary in the little bolero jacket. Zatanna is permanently looking up (she can look up, or she can look up higher) which unfortunately makes her appear to have a bit of a double chin, but on the whole is very nice. Zatanna comes with a hat, which falls off regardless of how you pose her, and a wand, which is very small and easily lost (ask how I know).

Playability is of course minimal. Knees and elbows bend. Canary can sit but Zatanna cannot; Zatanna, however, has far better arm movement and her waist and neck turn, neither of which is an option for Canary. Both have wrist motion. Really they aren't bad for this line of figure.

Now, if they come out with a Black Canary in her current costume (one that's not the Identity Crisis figure) I am probably still in the market. While Zatanna is fine with the limited mobility, Canary is a far more physically active hero and it would be nice to have a figure of her that could actually fight.

The thing I found most surprising is that the fishnets (which both wear) are real. I assumed they'd be painted on, but they're not--and there's a heck of a seam in the back, too! But they look fine from the front, and possibly just didn't work painted on (I imagine the knee joint would have been dificult to do well).

So would I recommend these as toys? No, they're obviously not intended for that. But I'm pleased with them.